Beluga whales are distinctive marine mammals recognized for their pure white coloration as adults and their varied vocalizations. Often called “canaries of the sea,” they are highly social animals. These whales are characterized by their robust bodies and a prominent rounded forehead, known as a melon.
The Arctic Home of Beluga Whales
Beluga whales primarily inhabit the Arctic Ocean and its adjacent sub-Arctic seas. They thrive in cold water environments, with temperatures as low as 0°C (32°F). While many beluga populations undertake seasonal migrations, some remain in specific areas year-round. Their movements are often influenced by advancing and retreating sea ice, as they navigate through open water and ice floes.
Specific Regions and Populations
The distribution of beluga whales spans across various northern regions, including Alaska, Canada, Greenland, and Russia. Within these vast territories, distinct populations reside in specific bodies of water. For example, Alaskan waters host several recognized stocks, and in Canada, populations are found in regions like Hudson Bay and the St. Lawrence River Estuary. Russian Arctic waters, including the Sea of Okhotsk, also support beluga populations.
Belugas demonstrate an ability to inhabit diverse aquatic environments, moving between marine, brackish, and even freshwater settings. During summer, many populations frequent shallow coastal waters, estuaries, and large river deltas. They have been observed traveling significant distances up rivers, such as the Amur River in Russia. This adaptability allows them to exploit different feeding grounds and seek refuge from predators.
Living in Icy Waters
Beluga whales show a preference for shallow coastal waters, estuaries, and areas near ice edges. These environments offer access to a diverse diet and can also provide protection from predators like killer whales. Calving often occurs in warmer, shallower waters of estuaries, which benefits newborn calves that lack a thick blubber layer.
Their physical characteristics are well-suited for life in cold, often ice-covered conditions. Belugas possess a thick layer of blubber, providing insulation and energy reserves. Unlike most other whales, they lack a dorsal fin, which would be susceptible to injury from ice; instead, they have a tough dorsal ridge that assists with swimming under ice floes. Their unfused neck vertebrae also allow for remarkable head flexibility, aiding maneuverability in shallow waters and during foraging.